Because of strong subtropical barometric pressure in the west Pacific this year, two to four typhoons are expected to hit Taiwan this summer, the Central Weather Bureau (CWB) said.
"Since subtropical high barometric pressure in the west Pacific this summer tends to grow stronger, there will be fewer typhoons reaching Taiwan than in past years, which have had an average number of three to four," said Daniel Wu (吳德榮), the chief CWB meteorologist, in a press conference yesterday.
`A relief'
When asked if the nation will suffer drought with fewer typhoons this summer, Wu said: "On the contrary, it's a kind of relief."
Almost every reservoir around Taiwan is filled to capacity due to the heavy plum rains last month and this month, Wu said.
"If there are as many typhoons as there were previously, we will have to open the sluices, and it is kind of a waste of water resources."
The plum rain season from May to June and summer are the main source of precipitation in Taiwan, especially typhoons or occasional thundershowers in the afternoon.
Preparation
Prevention and conservation is a must because, on average, the damage caused by typhoons costs more than NT$13.2 billions every year, according to the CWB's statistics.
The CWB urges the public and related organizations to carry out some basic but necessary work for the coming typhoon season.
For example, dredging ditches and aqueducts, overhauling bridges and buildings, repairing structures, storing some emergency food, keeping flashlights handy, and stocking up on batteries and a radio, are all priorities, the CWB said.
People who live in low-lying areas must move to higher ground to keep away from floods, while those who live on mountainsides must watch out for landslides after heavy rains and be ready to evacuate at anytime.
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